Il Capitano

Definition

Theater

One of the earliest stock characters of the commedia dell'arte.Sharing many characteristics of the braggart soldier of Roman comedy,the Miles Gloriosus, Il Capitano was probably a caricatureof the Spanish and French mercenaries who overran Italy in the 16thcentury. The character's bombastic claims to military greatness andamatory prowess were often exposed as a sham through asides deliveredby his squire. Although actors who played the role would often makeslight alterations to the Capitano's name, costume, and personality,the basic character remained the same. see also Scaramuccia.